Static eliminator



June 4, 1929. o. c. FRIEDE STATIC ELIMINATOR Filed Dec. 1'7, 1926 Patented June 4, 1929.

UNITD STES OSCAR C. ERIEDE, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

srn rrc- ELIMINATOR.

Application filed December 17, 1926. serial 1T0. 155,401.

This invention relates to a static eliminator and particularly to a device which is adapted for use in connection with radio receiving sets for the purpose of dissipating static dis charges and preventing interference thereof with the desired incoming signal Currents.

Static discharges cause irregular disturbances to be transmitted from the antenna to the rectifying, tuning and amplifying apparatus of a radio receiving set where the effect of such transmission is to cause audible disturbances which interfere with the audition of the desired signals. Devices heretofore produced in an endeavor to overcome this difficulty have been expensive, complicated and relatively ineffective.

It is an important object therefore of the present invention to provide a device which is simple inexpensive and which may be readily applied to radio receiving apparatus to minimize or eliminate the undesirable effect of the electrostatic disturbances.

Other and further important objects of this invention will be apparent from the disclosures in the specification and the accompanying drawings. m

The invention (in a preferred form) is illustrated on the-drawings and hereinafte more fully described.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view-showing a radio receiving set equipped with a device embodying this invention. 7 Figure 2 is an enlarged central vertical sectiontaken through a device embodying thepresent invention and showing the same 'connected with an antenna lead-in conductor. v Figure 3 is a section on the line IIIIIT vof Figure 2. p g

As shown on the drawings 2 V The reference numeral 1 indicates an antenna or aerial which is connected by means of a lead-in conductor 2 with a radio set.

which is indicated in general by the reference numeral 3 and which may embody any well known arrangement of rectifying, tuning and amplifying apparatus. The static eliini nator of the present invention, which is shown in detail in Figure 2, is connectedin the leadin conductor 2 in such a manner as to afford a gap in said conductor which is filled by a readily ionizable, preferably liquid, conductor.

' Referring to Figure 2, the reference numeral 4: indicates a casing which is of generally cylindrical form and which is axially passaged for the purpose to be mentioned hereinafter. Said casing is constructed of bakehte or other suitable insulating material; The ends of the axial passage in the casing 4 are preferably threaded, as indicated, and

closed by metallic plugs 5 which are preferably constructed of readily fusible material such as a compound of lead and soldeim As will be noted from Figure 2, the inner ends of the plugs 5 are separated to afford a chamber 6 therebetween. The conductor 2 is embedded in the plugs 5 and the separated ends of said conductor extend into the chamber 6 to afford a gap therebetween. Said chamber 6 is filled with a readily ionizable conducting material which serves to'disrupt electric disturbances due to electrostatic discharges in such a manner as to obviate the transmission of such disturbances to the receiving apparatus and without interfering with thenormal signal impressed currents transmitted to said apparatus.

ends of the conductor 2, and in using this de- I have found mercury to be ad mirably suited for the purposes of filling the chamber 6 and bridging the gap between the vice, I have found that the undesirable effects dueto electrostatic disturbances areobviated. The chamber 6 is filled by first ins serting the bottom plug 5, then placing the mercury thereon and then pouring the upper plug 5 in molten or fused state on the mercury. Thus certain of the mercury may combine with thelinolten metal whereby the mercury in the-chamber. isjto afcertain extent placed under tension.

Due to the "elimination of static discharges.

of sound at the receiving set and since it'is not necesary to operate the audion tubes to their full capacity to secure such volume, an increase in tube life and a saving in operating current is obtained.

The device is connected in the antenna leadin conductor and I have found it advisable to the use of'thedevice ofthis invention, it is possible to secure a large mcreaseinvolume connect the same relatively near to the receiv-,

ing apparatus;

' I am aware that'numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide'range without departing from the principles of this invent-ion, andI therefore donot purpose limiting the patent granted,'otherwisethan J necessitated by the prior art. 1

I claim as my invention:

' 1 1. A static eliminator of the kind described comprisinga tubular meinber of insulating material, metallic plugs threaded in the ends of said tubular member and affording a closed chamber between their inner ends, a liquid metallic conductor filling said closed chamber, and metallic conductors embedded in said plugs having their ends separated but immersed in said liquid conductor.

v2. A static eliminator of the kind described comprising a member of insulating material having a closed internal chamber, mercury fillin said chamber, and conductors extends ing t rough said member With their ends I separated and projecting into themercury in said chamber.

3. A device of the kind described comprising a member of insulating material having a closed internal chamber, a readily ioniz able metallic liquid filling said chamber, and metallic conductors extending through said members with their ends separated and proj ecting into the liquid in said chamber.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

OSCAR C. FRIEDE. 

